Miss Cara Dunn

Hello!

My name is Cara Dunn and I will be teaching sixth and seventh grade for the upcoming school year at Greater Works Christian School. I am excited for the opportunity to work with these middle school students and my mission is to help them grow both academically and spiritually.

This will be my first school year teaching at Greater Works Christian School. I grew up in Monroeville and then attended Shippensburg University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Middle Level Education with concentrations in Math and Language Arts. Since graduating, I spent the year teaching at Monroeville United Methodist Preschool as the 4 year old teacher along with tutoring at Huntington Learning Center. Over the summers, I spend my time at Gateway Heights Swim Club lifeguarding, teaching swim lessons, and serving as the pool manager. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family and friends, baking, reading, and being poolside!

I am looking forward to meeting everyone and having a great year together!

Sincerely,

Miss Cara Dunn

Mrs. Kate Moerdyk

I am so excited to join Greater Works Christian School this year as a sixth and seventh grade teacher! Since I am new to the school, allow me to introduce myself.

I grew up in the Midwest and attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where I studied elementary and middle level education, and graduated in 2008. After getting married to my husband, Jon, in 2009, we moved to Austin, Texas, so that he could pursue his doctorate of chemistry at the University of Texas-Austin. In Austin, I worked in the public schools, where I taught Special Education, Intervention, 5th grade, and, most recently, 2nd grade. We moved here this summer so that Jon could start a position as a Chemistry Professor at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, and are enjoying getting to know the
area!

I love spending time on Lake Erie, hiking with our Black Labrador, Lady, photography, and cheering on my Ohio State Buckeyes! I am so blessed to be able to join a school where I can pair my love of teaching with my faith in Christ. I believe that students learn best by doing, so most of our learning will be hands-on. I am looking forward to learning and growing together this year with our incredible middle school students!

7th GRADE

Greater Works Christian School curriculum addresses each area of development according to our mission statement – spiritually, academically, physically, socially, and emotionally. Students are taught using an integrated approach with a team of specialized teachers working together to plan their program. A solid Biblical perspective will reinforce the application of scriptural principles.

Language: Children are given twenty spelling list words and five challenge words from the reading program. The reading vocabulary is strengthened through the spelling program. Spelling bees and other games are used for review.

Reading: The spelling words and the challenge words are incorporated into the reading stories to make for ease in oral reading. A story is read each week and phonics, as well as various focus skills (such a narrative elements, inference, summary, etc) are taught with the stories. Participation in the Book-It program is required. Additional reading support is provided by using PSSA Buckle Down Instructional Series.

Math: Instruction centers around nine units in the math text book and concepts presented in PSSA preparation. The curriculum includes use of whole numbers and decimals, algebra, data and graphing, multiplication and division, fractions, algebra and geometry, measurement and probability, ration and percent.

Science: The students investigate nature, study mammals and complete individual reports and projects. The next main unit involves energy and engines, where students have an opportunity to work in groups and design or demonstrate how energy works. Other units include wonders of the sky and watching the weather. Field trip to the Carnegie Science Center.

History: A major part of the studies is in ancient to modern history in Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica. The text intertwines biblical happenings with historical accounts of the Fertile Crescent, the ancient Middle East, the area of the Nile, and ancient Greece and Rome. They study events in England, Scotland, Ireland, and other countries in Western and Eastern Europe. Christianity, the greatest force in History, spans the time from early Christians to the Reformation and beyond. Reading maps is also stressed with comparing maps in the atlas to the globe. Students provide information for the study guides through critical reading and note-taking skills. Evaluation is also made on oral and written reports.

SPECIAL SUBJECTS

Character Development, Missions, Physical Education, Spanish, Music

ACADEMIC EVALUATION

Students are assessed by qualified teachers using both objective and subjective data to determine grade level readiness. Grading is completed during four (nine-week) report periods. Parent conferences are held following the first grading period. Additional conferences are scheduled upon request.

Please bring in your child’s school supplies during parent/teacher orientation, and place in your child’s locker. At parent/teacher orientation, we also need to know how your child will leave school daily, by bus or parent pick-up.